Over the past week, gamers have been receiving a lot of updates regarding some of the most popular games in the industry. Updates for games such as Halo Infinite have been given at Gamescom 2021. However, it isn’t just large studios that are providing updates on their games, smaller developers have been showing off what they’ve been working on as well. Recently, fans got a look at XEL, a game that shares a lot in common with The Legend of Zelda series.
During a new gameplay trailer, the developers showed off more details about the new adventure inspired by The Legend of Zelda. Developed by Tiny Roar, the game is set on a distant planet called XEL. The trailer introduced fans to the main character Reid after her spaceship crash lands on the strange world. It seems that a large part of the story revolves around fixing up her ship in order to leave the planet. During her adventures, she encounters both friendly and hostile residents of the planet.
RELATED: Zelda Fan Shows Off Impressive Stained Glass Window Based on Minish Cap
A large portion of the gameplay seen in the trailer seems to be from a top-down perspective similar to classic Zelda games such as A Link to the Past. However, the creators of XEL appear to be trying to differentiate the game by using a 3D art style set in a futuristic yet dilapidated world, somewhat similar to Horizon Zero Dawn’s connection between technology and nature. The game is set to release on a number of different platforms including Xbox consoles next year.
Besides the top-down perspective, XEL has some other noticeable similarities to The Legend of Zelda series. The game contains a number of different items that the player must use to solve puzzles. One gadget seen in the trailer resembled the hookshot from Zelda games. In addition, XEL features dungeons, another staple of Link's adventures. At the end of the trailer, a machine shoots a laser beam at the main character, narrowly missing her. Interestingly, this robot resembles the Guardians from Breath of the Wild as they also had one robotic eye and could fire beams of energy.
This isn’t the only Zelda-like game to be coming out in the coming months. Another in-development game is Tunic. Similar to XEL, this game features a top-down perspective while also remaining a 3D game. However, one of the highlights of the game is that an adorable fox features as the main protagonist. While updates on the progress of the project have been sparse, the game seems to be projected for a 2022 release as well.
Even though XEL is still a way out from release, early signs seem positive for the game’s future. It will be interesting to see what else fans learn about the game in the coming months.
XEL is expected to release in Q2 of 2022.
MORE: 15 Great PC Games To Play If You Like The Legend Of Zelda Series
Source: Pure Xbox